Adobe Stock
For some people, worrying over what other people will think can be a stumbling block in their Christian journey. Here are some tips to help you let go of others’ opinions and focus on the relationship between God and you.
“Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name.”
–1 Peter 4:16
Lots of people don’t care about religion. Coming from that mindset, they often have judgmental or negative opinions of people who view religion as an essential part of their lives.
Sometimes these opinions can come from people close to us, such as spouses, romantic interests, family, friends, coworkers and colleagues, and other sources.
“Do not be surprised, brothers, that the world hates you.”
– 1 John 3:13
But it is impossible to please everyone, and we should not try. We should only try first to please God and then please ourselves by right, loving actions toward all.
Sadly, some people never pursue religion because they don’t want to be shamed or ridiculed by other people. This is a tragic mistake. This article hopes to give the reader the courage to ignore what other people say and seek God’s word in the Holy Bible and the teachings of his son Jesus Christ.
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.”
–2 Corinthians 5:17
Becoming a Christian is all about becoming a new you. However, this fact holds many people back because they are worried about what other people may think. Friends who do not accept the “new you” are not real friends at all.
“For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?”
–Matthew 16:26
Christians derive their values from the Bible. No matter the fads, culture or societal changes that occur – human nature never does. Therefore, the unchanging Bible gives timeless advice for right living. Don’t allow the opinions of others to sway you.
“For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.”
–Galatians 1:10
Whatever opinions other people have of you have everything to do with them. Frankly, other people’s opinions are none of our business – they belong to them. We need to ignore them and focus on our own lives.
“A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion.”
–Proverbs 18:2
“For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.”
–2 Corinthians 5:10
We are all responsible for what we think, say, and do. Don’t allow others to push you away from what you know is right, hold you back, or control your life.
You have complete control over your feelings. You can choose how to feel about any situation or words someone says. You can decide to let someone’s words have power or ignore them and make them powerless.
“For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people.”
– 1 Peter 2:15
All you can do in life is follow God’s teaching, His will for humankind, and do your very best to live right. Read the Bible. Pray. Treat others with love. Help those in need. Avoid sin.
Everyone makes mistakes. You will too. Learn from your mistakes and keep trying to do your best. Don’t let others’ negative words or criticisms hold you back.
